State Of Uptown Luncheon On May 14

The Uptown Chamber of Commerce presents the annual State of Uptown Luncheon on Tuesday, May 14th, at Furama restaurant (4936 N Broadway), between noon and 1:30pm.

"The annual State of Uptown luncheon convenes Uptown's business, development and non-profit community to hear from our elected officials. Confirmed speakers for the 2024 State of Uptown include:

• 40th Ward Alderman Andre Vasquez
• 46th Ward Alderwoman Angela Clay
• 47th Ward Alderman Matt Martin
• 48th Ward Alderwoman Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth

Tickets are $25 for Chamber Members ((discount code sent via e-mail - contact Greg Carroll at greg@exploreuptown.org if you need the code) and $30 General Admission. Online ticket sales will close on Monday, May 13th at 5pm. Based on availability, we will be selling tickets for $35 at the door.

 Ticket includes event admission and lunch (vegetarian options will be provided).

Contact Greg Carroll at greg@exploreuptown.org or 773-878-1184 ext. 2 with any questions. 

Get Your Tickets Here."

And Then There Was Fencing, And It Was Good

Construction fencing in the parking lot of upcoming 4553 N. Dover development

We have been following the city permitting process with the upcoming 4553 N Dover development closely. The developers received zoning review approval on April 11, so we knew that demolition of the existing "Happy Wash" building would be imminent. 

Today, we spotted construction fencing in the parking lot that will be placed around the perimeter while demolition is underway.

Although we will miss the vintage building and the terra cotta, we are very happy to see the ugly asphalt parking lot replaced. The asphalt stretches to the sidewalks on Wilson and Dover, soon to be replaced with a residential building with grass and landscaping. 

4555 N. Dover 

You might recall that the first proposal presented to Dover Street Neighbors was an arguably better looking four-story development. However, DSNA was overwhelmingly against the proposal, so the developer backed out. 

The current developer bought the property and, having seen the experience of the prior developer, elected to build under the current zoning. The present as-of-right building avoided any backlash from DSNA, and ironically was able to build bigger under existing zoning at five stories.

As one of our editors wrote in our group chat: "A textbook case of FAFO."

Weigh In On A Zoning Change Request for the Former 7-11 Building at Southport and Clark

Image via Google Streetview

In this week's newsletter, Ald. Clay says:

"Zoning & Development -- 4116 N. Clark

The tenant, Access Contemporary Music, is seeking a zoning change from RS-3 to B3-1 to turn the currently vacant space into another location for ACM. 

The space would house rooms for music lessons for adults and children, as well as a 60-seat performance space. Performances would take place Thursday-Sunday and operations would conclude by 10pm. The applicant also hopes to serve alcoholic beverages at concerts.

20 parking spots would be provided on-site. A zoning change is required for the proposed use. 

More information can be found here. You can provide feedback on this proposal via a survey here. The survey is open for two weeks and will close on Friday, May 3rd at 5pm."

Observant UU readers know that Access Contemporary Music received a $250,000 Community Development Grant from the Chicago Recovery Plan, announced in February. 

Since they have the cash available, and we hate empty storefronts, it seems to us a good move to support the zoning change. Your mileage, as always, may vary.

Kenny Mac's Barber Shop Moves To Broadway; All Revive Wellness Opens On Leland

photo courtesy of Kenny Mac's website

Kenny Mac's, "where barbers and gentlemen meet," has moved from its long-time home on Leland Avenue to 4427 North Broadway (formerly Treasures Hair Studio). 

Kenny Mac's has built a solid reputation in its ten-plus years in Uptown, and we're so glad Kenny and company made the decision to stay in the neighborhood. It's open Tuesday through Saturday for appointments and walk-ins.

As the website says, the shop provides "barber/cosmetology services for haircuts, fades, tapers, shaves and facials where clients can escape the daily stress of life and rejuvenate themselves while enjoying camaraderie with colleagues and friends."

* * * * *

All Revive Wellness moves into Kenny's previous storefront at 1016 West Leland. It comes to Uptown from River North, and is proudly Black- and woman-owned.

According to its website, its services will "help you look, feel and perform your best through a balance of education, science-based treatments, and a holistic approach to general wellness and weight management. Our treatment menu features IV Hydration Therapy, Vitamin Shots, Nutritional Testing, and Supplements. ​We strive to help you optimize your physical health, metabolism, and achieve your weight loss goals."

Welcome to Uptown!

Palestinian Coffee Cafe Coming To Broadway

Looks like another international coffee option is coming to Uptown! Nabala Cafe has received permits to start construction at 4660 North Broadway (corner of Clifton).

On its Instagram page, it says it will feature "Coffee, chai, espresso drinks, sandwiches, pitas, and more!" Opening is set for sometime this spring.

We look forward to getting a java jolt there before too long.

Easter Egg Hunt At St. Mary of the Lake on Sunday

"Join Saint Mary of the Lake Church this Sunday, March 31st for an Easter egg hunt! All are welcome to attend."

"Breakfast House" Coming To Lawrence House

A sign outside the former 3 Squares Diner space at 1020 W. Lawrence

While we were sad to see 3 Squares Diner close in Lawrence House, we have a new restaurant to look forward to!

"Breakfast House" currently has 6 locations around Chicago, including Wrigleyville and Lakeview. They specialize in good ol' diner food like steak and eggs, fried chicken, huevos rancheros and hash. They also serve burgers, chicken sandwiches and salads. Check out the full menu here. 

Rumors of an April 1 opening are swirling, but keep an eye on their Facebook page for a definite opening date.

We are so happy to see another diner fill this beautiful space in such beautifully renovated building. Welcome to Uptown, Breakfast House!

Lawrence & Marine BP To Get Upgraded

Rendering of new BP at 755 W. Lawrence

If you use the BP at Lawrence and Marine, get ready for an upgraded experience. 

Plans were finally submitted to the Zoning Board of Appeals and were approved on March 15. You can expect an actual convenience store as seen in the rendering above, along with 4 new pumps and landscaping along Lawrence Avenue. 

The current BP at Lawrence & Marine (Google)

Lakeside Area Neighbors gave their approval on BP's plans when Ald. Cappleman was still in office. 

We are still waiting to hear the results of LANA's meeting to discuss 936 W. Leland. According to Ald. Clay's website, LANA hosted a meeting on February 6 but no mention of the meeting on the LANA Facebook page or website. Also no mention of the results of the survey on the development that was conducted from 1/19-2/2.

Did You Spring Forward?

We returned to Daylight Saving Time at 2am Sunday. Are you on time?

One less hour of sleep, always a lot of fun if you have a kid or pet who's firmly tied to a 24-hour schedule.

On the flip side, it means that evening light will last longer, with sunset taking place at 6:52pm tonight. It's lovely if you like staying outside in daylight longer.

(photo from the JJ Sedelmaier Productions Collection, used with much appreciation)

Lawrence Closed to Through Traffic at CTA Tracks Friday Night For Up To 24 Hours

Beginning Friday night at 9pm, and lasting up to 24 hours, Lawrence Avenue at the Red Line tracks will be closed to vehicular and bike traffic while equipment mobilization happens for the Red Purple Line modernization project.

Pedestrian access to Lawrence Avenue will be allowed, but will switch between sides of the street as things progress. The sidewalk on the north side of  the street will close beginning at 6am on Friday, March 8.

Work will be continuous until completed. According to the CTA:

• There will be noise while work is being performed, including nighttime noise:

General construction noise

Beeping from backup alarms on construction vehicles and equipment

Flagging horns

Stephens Commons Nearly Complete, Now Leasing

March 2024

preconstruction rendering by Landon Bone Baker Architects

It's been astounding how quickly the new building at 835 West Wilson has gone up. From ground-breaking in late 2022 to near completion now, it's been great fun to watch it take shape.

Stephens Commons, as it's known, is a 73-unit all-senior (62+), all-affordable residential rental building. There's no ground-floor retail (as is the norm on that stretch of Wilson) and the units are a mix of 10 studios, 49 one-bedrooms, and 14 two-bedrooms. There are amenities like a weight room, community room, outdoor deck, and a garden.

You can read more about it and fill out a rental application here.

Early Voting in the Presidential Primary Election Opens Monday, Runs Through March 19th

a blast from the past

If you'd like the convenience of voting early in the Presidential Primary Election and choosing where to do so, the city has a deal for you!

Beginning Monday, March 4th, you can vote at any site in the city of Chicago (full list is here) up to and including Election Day, March 19th.

The ballot will give you options to vote for:

Nominations for:

• U.S. President
• U.S. Representative
• Illinois State Senator
• Illinois State Representative
• Water Reclamation District Commissioner
• Cook County Clerk of the Circuit Court
• Cook County State's Attorney
• Cook County Commissioner
• Board of Review Commissioner
• Illinois Supreme Court Judge
• Illinois Appellate Court Judge
• Circuit Court Judge
• Subcircuit Judge

Elections for:

• Ward Committeeperson
• Delegates and Alternate Delegates to National Nominating Convention

The closest sites to Uptown are listed below. Again, you can vote at ANY early voting site, no matter in what ward you are registered to vote.

• Merlo Library, 644 W Belmont
• Truman College, 1145 W Wilson
• Welles Park, 2333 W Sunnyside
• Edgewater Library, 6000 N Broadway
• Chicago Board of Elections, 69 W Washington, 6th Floor
• Downtown Supersite, 191 N Clark

Hours of operation are:

• Weekdays: 9am - 6pm
• Saturday: 9am - 5pm
• Sunday: 10:am - 4pm
• Election Day: 6am - 7pm (March 19)

"Government-issued photo ID is not required but ID is helpful if there is a question about the voter's registration, address, signature, or if there are two voters at the same address with the same names or similar names."

Got Questions? Check out the Board of Elections website.

Sidewalk Reconstruction and Closures on Argyle From March 6th Thru 20th

The sidewalks on Argyle Street will be closed on an alternating basis at the CTA Tracks, as the latest part of the Red Purple Line Modernization project.

The sidewalks will be demolished and reconstructed on both sides of the street, One side  will remain open at all times, and access to the businesses on West Argyle will be maintained at all times.

Work will go one Mondays through Saturdays, March 6 to March 20, between 7am and 7pm.

Local Impact:

There will be noise while work is being performed; noise will include:

• General construction noise
• Noise from sidewalk demolition
• Beeping from backup alarms on construction equipment and vehicles